The book aims to prioritise what needs mastering and presents the content in the most understandable, concise and pedagogical way illustrated by real market examples. Given the variety and the complexity of the materials the book covers, the author sorts through a vast array of topics in a subjective way, relying upon more than twenty years of experience as a market practitioner. The book only requires the reader to be knowledgeable in the basics of algebra and statistics.

The Mathematical formulae are only fully proven when the proof brings some useful insight. These formulae are translated from algebra into plain English to aid understanding as the vast majority of practitioners involved in the financial markets are not required to compute or calculate prices or sensitivities themselves as they have access to data providers. Thus, the intention of this book is for the practitioner to gain a deeper understanding of these calculations, both for a safety reason - it is better to understand what is behind the data we manipulate - and secondly being able to appreciate the magnitude of the prices we are confronted with and being able to draft a rough calculation, aside of the market data.

The author has avoided excessive formalism where possible. Formalism is securing the outputs of research, but may, in other circumstances, burden the understanding by non-mathematicians; an example of this case is in the chapter dedicated to the basis of stochastic calculus.

The book is divided into two parts:

- First, the deterministic world, starting from the yield curve building and related calculations (spot rates, forward rates, discrete versus continuous compounding, etc.), and continuing with spot instruments valuation (short term rates, bonds, currencies and stocks) and forward instruments valuation (forward forex, FRAs and variants, swaps & futures);

- Second, the probabilistic world, starting with the basis of stochastic calculus and the alternative approach of ARMA to GARCH, and continuing with derivative pricing: options, second generation options, volatility, credit derivatives;

- This second part is completed by a chapter dedicated to market performance & risk measures, and a chapter widening the scope of quantitative models beyond the Gaussian hypothesis and evidencing the potential troubles linked to derivative pricing models.

Packed with insights, Lorenzo Bergomi's Stochastic Volatility Modeling explains how stochastic volatility is used to address issues arising in the modeling of derivatives, including: Which trading issues do we tackle with stochastic volatility? How do we design models and assess their relevance? How do we tell which models are usable and when does calibration make sense? This manual covers the practicalities of modeling local volatility, stochastic volatility, local-stochastic volatility, and multi-asset stochastic volatility. In the course of this exploration, the author, Risk's 2009 Quant of the Year and a leading contributor to volatility modeling, draws on his experience as head quant in Societe Generale's equity derivatives division. Clear and straightforward, the book takes readers through various modeling challenges, all originating in actual trading/hedging issues, with a focus on the practical consequences of modeling choices.

A climate catastrophe can be avoided, but only with a rapid and sustained investment in companies and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To the surprise of many, this has already begun. Investors are abandoning fossil-fuel companies and other polluting industries and financing businesses offering climate solutions. Rising risks, evolving social norms, government policies, and technological innovation are all accelerating this movement of capital. Bruce Usher offers an indispensable guide to the risks and opportunities for investors as the world faces climate change. He explores the role that investment plays in reducing emissions to net zero by 2050, detailing how to finance the winners and avoid the losers in a transforming global economy. Usher argues that careful examination of climate solutions will offer investors a new and necessary lens on the future for their own financial benefit and for the greater good. Companies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions will create great wealth, and, more importantly, they will provide a lifeline for humanity. Grounded in academic and industry research, Usher's insights bring clarity to a complex and controversial topic while illuminating the people behind the numbers. This book sets out a practical and actionable plan for investors that will alter the course of climate change.

An indispensable resource for anyone wishing to understand and successfully invest in the Nikkei. Recent years have seen steady growth in investor interest in the Japanese equity market, the second largest in the world. Japanese Equities describes how the Nikkei works, explains its driving factors and presents a collection of insightful case studies to help you successfully invest in the market. Author Michiro Naito, a former equity derivatives/quantitative strategist for J.P. Morgan Securities Japan, helps you understand the ups and downs of the market and capitalise on its money-making opportunities. Already a substantial part of many equity investor portfolios, the Nikkei exhibits characteristics that respond more sensitively to global economic conditions than other developed markets. This valuable book helps you grasp the idiosyncrasies of the market and correctly time investing decisions to maximise profits. This English translation of the original Japanese book includes additional chapters discussing recent political developments that influence the Japanese economy such as the re-election of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the trade policies of Donald Trump (the US-China trade war) and the difference in monetary policy between the Bank of Japan and the FED. This book: Offers a simple quantitative strategy to take advantage of the cyclical trends and repeating patterns of the Nikkei to attain desirable returns Explains how derivatives instruments affect the equity market, which is seldom covered in textbooks Highlights a quantitative approach supported by solid historical back-tests Discusses fundamental and technical factors that underlie the movement of the Japanese equity market Provides insights drawn from the author's decades-long research and experience working in the securities industry Japanese Equities: A Practical Guide to Investing in the Nikkei is a must-have text for investors, hedge fund and pension fund managers, academics, researchers and students of international finance.

Comprehensive coverage of the four major trading styles

Evolution of a Trader explores the four trading styles that people use when learning to trade or invest in the stock market. Often, beginners enter the stock market by: Buying and holding onto a stock (value investing). That works well until the trend ends or a bear market begins. Then they tryPosition trading. This is the same as buy-and-hold, except the technique sells positions before a significant trend change occurs. Swing trading follows when traders increase their frequency of trading, trying to catch the short-term up and down swings. Finally, people tryDay trading by completing their trades in a single day.

This series provides comprehensive coverage of the four trading styles by offering numerous tips, sharing discoveries, and discussing specific trading setups to help you become a successful trader or investor as you journey through each style.

"Trading Basics" takes an in-depth look at money management, stops, support and resistance, and offers dozens of tips every trader should know.

"Fundamental Analysis and Position Trading" discusses when to sell a buy-and-hold position, uncovers which fundamentals work best, and uses them to find stocks that become 10-baggers--stocks that climb by 10 times their original value.

"Swing and Day Trading" reveals methods to time the market swings, including specific trading setups, but it covers the basics as well, such as setting up a home trading office and how much money you can make day trading.

With so much emphasis on calls (especially covered calls) many traders overlook the tremendous hedging and profit potential of the put. The Amazing Put demonstrates the many strategies based on the put option, including the risk hedge, a long put (often a long-term, or LEAPS put) that freezes market risk at the put's strike (minus its premium); and the short uncovered put, which has market risk identical to the covered call. The author methodically lays out the case for using puts wisely, both as a cash generator with low risk, and as a risk hedge to reduce or eliminate market risk in equity positions. Every options trader will benefit from exploring these strategies, and novices will gain a starting point in developing a program to enhance their stock portfolio. Michael C. Thomsett is a market expert, author, speaker, and coach. His many books include Stock Market Math, Candlestick Charting, and Options, Tenth Edition.

This book focuses on various types of crowdfunding and the lessons learned from academic research. Crowdfunding, a new and important source of financing for entrepreneurs, fills a funding gap that was traditionally difficult to close. Chapters from expert contributors define and carefully evaluate the various market segments: donation-based and reward-based crowdfunding, crowdinvesting and crowdlending. They further provide an assessment of startups, market structure, as well as backers and investors for each segment. Attention is given to the theoretical and empirical findings from the recent economics and finance literature. Furthermore, the authors evaluate relevant regulatory efforts in several jurisdictions. This book will appeal to finance, entrepreneurship and legal scholars as well as entrepreneurs and platform operators.

The world of M&A has always been complex and nuanced. Corporations encounter their toughest business problems during a divestiture or a merger. At the same time, optimal execution of divestitures can also create high value for the seller as well as the buyer. This book is a collection of leading practices on Divestitures and covers end to end transaction life cycle from readiness through execution including post deal transformation. It contains the synthesis of experiences across a wide array of clients across industries, ranging from $500 million to $100 billion in revenue. Each chapter in this book can stand on its own as an authority on leading practices related to the topic it presents, and together, these chapters provide a comprehensive set of perspectives needed to successfully complete a divestiture. The highlight of the book is valuable real-life examples and references that a business can benefit from, when it is considering, analyzing or implementing a divestiture.

Aimed at practitioners who need to understand the current fixed income markets and learn the techniques necessary to master the fundamentals, this book provides a thorough but concise description of fixed income markets, looking at the business, products and structures and advanced modeling of interest rate instruments.

"This will become the definitive empirical basis for analysis of the world's capital markets over the twentieth century. It is an important work of scholarship; no one else has calculated the equity premium of a large number of countries over the long term. In doing so, the book contributes to the very lively debate on the magnitude of the equity premium and will make a splash."--William Goetzmann, Yale University

"Recent years have seen unprecedented public interest in the stock market, but there is a tendency for investors to concentrate on recent U.S. stock market performance. Progress in understanding financial markets requires a much longer timeframe and a global perspective. This book presents and analyzes data from many countries in a simple, standardized way that makes comparisons easy. It makes a number of extremely important points and goes well beyond simple summaries of average returns and historical volatilities to look at such issues as seasonality and industrial structure."--John Campbell, Harvard University

"No investor can afford to risk a penny in the markets without studying this book and absorbing its fascinating lessons. That advice applies whether you are professional or amateur, a youngster or hardened from experience, bold or conservative. This book is history at its most challenging and illuminating. The facts are astonishing, the presentation dazzling, the analysis brilliant, and the lessons profound."--Peter L. Bernstein, author of "Capital Ideas" and "Against the Gods"

"This is an important addition to the investment literature and will be widely used by both the academic and business community. To have the scope of data and analysis contained inthis book available in one place represents a major contribution and improvement over what is now available."--Martin J. Gruber, New York University

An up-to-date look at the evolution of interest rate swaps and derivatives

"Interest Rate Swaps and Derivatives" bridges the gap between the theory of these instruments and their actual use in day-to-day life. This comprehensive guide covers the main "rates" products, including swaps, options (cap/floors, swaptions), CMS products, and Bermudan callables. It also covers the main valuation techniques for the exotics/structured-notes area, which remains one of the most challenging parts of the market.Provides a balance of relevant theory and real-world trading instruments for rate swaps and swap derivativesUses simple settings and illustrations to reveal key resultsWritten by an experienced trader who has worked with swaps, options, and exotics

With this book, author Amir Sadr shares his valuable insights with practitioners in the field of interest rate derivatives-from traders and marketers to those in operations.

This book discusses capital markets and investment decision-making, focusing on the globalisation of the world economy. It presents empirically tested results from Indian and Southwest Asian stock markets and offers valuable insights into the working of Indian capital markets. The book is divided into four parts: the first part examines capital-market operations, particularly clearance and settlement processes, and stock market operations. The second part then addresses the functioning of global markets and investment decisions; more specifically it explores calendar anomalies, dependencies, overreaction effect, causality effect and stock returns volatility in South Asia, U.S. and global stock markets as a whole. Part three covers issues relating to capital structure, values of firm and investment strategies. Lastly, part four discusses emerging issues in finance like behavioral finance, Islamic finance, and international financial reporting standards. The book fills the gap in the existing finance literature and helps fund managers and individual investors make more accurate investment decisions.

This book explores the integrity of equity markets, addressing such issues as the exchange vs. customer perspective on price discovery and the ways market participants deal with key regulatory concerns. Do market practitioners pass the integrity test? How does "market integrity" play out globally? What is the overall veracity of the marketplace? These are some of the key questions considered in this volume from the viewpoints of traders, economists, financial market strategists and exchange representative. Titled after the Baruch College Financial Markets Conference, Market Integrity: Do Our Equity Markets Pass the Test?, this book is of interest to market practitioners, trading professionals, academics and students in the field of financial markets. The Zicklin School of Business Financial Markets Series presents the insights emerging from a sequence of conferences hosted by the Zicklin School at Baruch College for industry professionals, regulators and scholars. Much more than historical documents, the transcripts from the conferences are edited for clarity, perspective and context; material and comments from subsequent interviews with the panelists and speakers are integrated for a complete thematic presentation. Each book is focused on a well-delineated topic, but all deliver broader insights into the quality and efficiency of the U.S. equity markets and the dynamic forces changing them.

Written for traders with a basic knowledge of trends and technical analysis, Practical Trend Analysis introduces advanced analytical tools for recognizing how risks evolve as trends proceed. Readers will learn how to use trend prediction to manage market risks far more effectively. Michael C. Thomsett provides insights on technical signals such as candlestick reversals, price gaps, and movement through resistance or support; distinguishing between strong and weak trends; objectively evaluating the health of a stock's current price levels, trading breadth, and technical condition; and anticipating plateaus, slowdowns, or price reversals. He presents detailed coverage of trendlines and channel lines; patterns and confirmations of both reversals and continuations; broadening and narrowing trends, price jumps; and trends based on volume, moving averages, and momentum. Practical Trend Analysis will enable traders, both amateur and professional, to go far beyond mere trend "following." Michael C. Thomsett is a market expert, author, speaker, and coach. His many books include Stock Market Math, Candlestick Charting, and The Mathematics of Options.

Gain a deep, intuitive and technical understanding of practical options theory The main challenges in successful options trading are conceptual, not mathematical. Volatility: Practical Options Theory provides financial professionals, academics, students and others with an intuitive as well as technical understanding of both the basic and advanced ideas in options theory to a level that facilitates practical options trading. The approach taken in this book will prove particularly valuable to options traders and other practitioners tasked with making pricing and risk management decisions in an environment where time constraints mean that simplicity and intuition are of greater value than mathematical formalism. The most important areas of options theory, namely implied volatility, delta hedging, time value and the so-called options greeks are explored based on intuitive economic arguments alone before turning to formal models such as the seminal Black-Scholes-Merton model. The reader will understand how the model free approach and mathematical models are related to each other, their underlying theoretical assumptions and their implications to level that facilitates practical implementation. There are several excellent mathematical descriptions of options theory, but few focus on a translational approach to convert the theory into practice. This book emphasizes the translational aspect, while first building an intuitive, technical understanding that allows market makers, portfolio managers, investment managers, risk managers, and other traders to work more effectively within--and beyond--the bounds of everyday practice. Gain a deeper understanding of the assumptions underlying options theory Translate theoretical ideas into practice Develop a more accurate intuition for better time-constrained decision making This book allows its readers to gain more than a superficial understanding of the mechanisms at work in options markets. Volatility gives its readers the edge by providing a true bedrock foundation upon which practical knowledge becomes stronger.

In recent times, derivatives have been inaccurately labelled the financial weapons of mass destruction responsible for the worst financial crisis in recent history. Inherently complex and perilous for the ill-informed investment professional they can however also be gainfully harnessed.

This book is a practical guide to the complexities of exotic products written in simple terms based on the premise that derivatives are not homogenous, and not necessarily dangerous.

By exploring common themes behind the construction of various structured products in interest rates, equities and foreign exchange, and investigating the economic environment that promoted the explosive growth of these products, this book will help readers make sense of their relevance in this period of economic uncertainty. Subsequently, by explaining exotic products with simple mathematics, it will aid readers in understanding their potential use in certain investment strategies whilst having a firm control over risk.

Exotic products need not be inaccessible. By understanding the products available investors can make informed decisions ensuring features are consistent with their investment objectives and risk preferences. Author Chia Chiang Tan takes readers through the risks and rewards of each product, illustrating when products can damage investment strategies and how to avoid them, leading to suitable, profitable investments.

Ultimately, this book will provide practitioners with an understanding of derivatives, enabling them to determine for themselves which products will fit their investment strategy, and how to use them based on the economic environment and inherent risks.

EXPERT, DEPENDABLE FOREX COACHING UPDATED TO KEEP YOU AHEAD IN AN EVOLVING MARKET The Forex Trading Course is the systematic guide aspiring traders need to enter the market with the confidence and skills necessary to generate wealth. Masterfully written so both basic and complex concepts are readily accessible, this all-inclusive training tool outlines a practical course of action to develop strategies integrating fundamental and technical analysis. It also demonstrates how to identify high-probability patterns and trades, adjust your trading plan for different account sizes, use emotional intelligence to improve trading performance, and much more. This second edition is fully revised to address: Changes brought about by quantitative easing and central bank intervention including greater spikes and disruptions in the forex and the influence of global growth and inflation on the market Using binary options with forex trades to make accurate predictions on direction, targets, and stops Social media trading and how to navigate herding behavior and swarming patterns The latest insights and trends in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin Complete with practice assignments to reinforce the material and a supplemental website to enhance your knowledge, The Forex Trading Course, Second Edition unlocks your optimal potential for profitable currency trading.

Strategies, tools, and solutions for minimizing risk and volatility in option trading

An intermediate level trading book, "The Option Trader Handbook, Second Edition" provides serious traders with strategies for managing and adjusting their market positions. This "Second Edition" features new material on implied volatility; Delta and Theta, and how these measures can be used to make better trading decisions. The book presents the art of making trade adjustments in a logical sequence, starting with long and short stock positions; moving on to basic put and call positions; and finally discussing option spreads and combinations.Covers different types of underlying positions and discusses all the possible adjustments that can be made to that positionOffers important insights into more complex option spreads and combinationsA timely book for today's volatile markets

Intended for both stock and option traders, this book will help you improve your overall trading skills and performance.

The Financial Futures Primer provides the reader with an introduction to the futures markets in general and financial futures in particular.

Options traders rely on a vast array of information concerning probability, risk, strategy components, calculations, and trading rules. Traders at all levels, as well as portfolio managers, must refer to numerous print and online sources, each source only providing part of the information they need. This is less than ideal, as online sources tend to be basic, simplified, and in some cases incorrect. Print sources, on the other hand, are mostly focused on a very narrow range of strategies or trading systems. Up until now, there has been no single source to provide a comprehensive reference for the serious trader. The Complete Options Trader is that much-need comprehensive reference, a compilation of the many attributes options traders need. Thomsett lays out a rich and complete guide to 100 strategies, including profit and loss calculations, illustrations, examples, and much more. A thorough evaluation of these strategies (and the rewards and risk involved) demonstrates how a broad approach to analytically using options can and does enhance portfolio profits with lower levels of risk. The book also features a complete glossary of terms used in the options industry, the most comprehensive glossary of this nature currently available. All too often, the attributes of options trading are poorly understood; risk is ignored or over-simplified; hedging is not folded into a strategic evaluation; and options traders shun the value of holding equity positions. No longer-if options traders rely on this comprehensive guide as the reference for the industry.

This is the first book to furnish a root cause of the low valuation of Japanese listed companies by using, as qualitative evidence, unique global investor surveys, which are rarely available for Japanese companies. Also contained in this book as quantitative evidence is empirical research with regression analysis implying a positive correlation between corporate governance and value creation in Japan. The author explains the rationale underlying the suggestion of the Ito Review on return on equity (ROE) 8% guidance, an almost 50% discounted valuation of the cash held by Japanese companies, corporate value and ROE, equity spread as a key performance indicator for value creation, an optimal dividend policy based on optimal capital structure, risk-adjusted hurdle rates for value-creative investment criteria, and the synchronization of environmental, social, and governance with equity spread. Illustrated with relevant statistics, evidence of shareholders' voices, case studies, and empirical research, the book is highly recommended for readers who seek qualitative and quantitative evidence of Japan's problems and potential prescriptions in connection with value creation. "This book empirically proves the relationship between non-financial capitals defined by IIRC and corporate value, and provides a convincing method to unlock corporate value in Japan via Abenomics corporate governance reforms. A must read!" Richard S. Howitt, Chief Executive Officer, International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) "This book addresses emerging issues such as the "Power of Intangibles" in addition to IMA-defined "Equity Spread" as a gauge for value creation from the viewpoint of management accounting. It is highly recommended for finance and accounting professionals." Jeffrey C. Thomson, CMA, CAE. President and CEO, Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

Protect your retirement from the next big crash with a New Twist on the Old Investment Strategy. For years, advisors have recommended that investors take a "buy and hold" approach to the market, but people over fifty can't afford to rely on this strategy. Buy, Hold, & SELL! uncovers the myth of the "buy and hold" investment philosophy, and explains why it's dangerously incomplete. Written by Ken Moraif, one of Barron's top 100 Financial Advisors in the United States three years a row and who called the 2008 market crash in November of 2007, this book outlines an alternative strategy that better serves investors who are at retirement age. Written in easy-to-understand language and buoyed by Ken's trademark humor, this guide shoots down the myths that keep investors in risky markets, and arms readers with the knowledge, motivation, and strategies that may help them survive-and even thrive-during the inevitable next bear market. Too many retirees lost a large percentage of their investments during the market collapse of 2008 and spent years trying to regain their footing. During the collapse, many advisors told their clients to stay in the market. Ken did the opposite, advising his clients and listeners of his popular radio show "Money Matters" to get out of the market in November of 2007-before the economic meltdown. With this book, Ken shares his 26 years of experience to help investors prepare for the imminent bear market that could devastate their retirement plans. For those looking to build a sound financial plan for the long run, this book provides expert insight and solid advice with supporting charts, graphs, statistics, and anecdotes. Understand the buy-hold-SELL strategy Learn how to design a sell strategy to protect principal in the next bear market Find clear-cut information regarding retirement finances Discover the benefits of a diversified portfolio This book expands upon old advice to provide the most important part of the equation: a sell strategy designed to protect principal. The goal of Buy, Hold, & SELL! is not to make investors rich quick, but to help keep them from becoming poor.

This valuable book provides a much-needed integration of fundamental analysis of global forces and technical analysis to provide highly probable trades in currency markets. Fundamental analysis is often too vague and not quantified. This book provides insights into fundamental analysis and then calibrates it to trading strategies and techniques. Fundamentals are clearly defined as longer-term economic expectations regarding growth, inflation, and labor conditions. Nearer-term understanding of fundamentals deals with market psychology, where markets are manifest risk-on and risk-off emotions. Currencies are explained as expectations battles generating expectation waves. With real trading examples included to underscore the concepts, Planet Forex gives readers an invaluable primer on trading market sentiment that is unprecedented. This book is a must-read for global forex traders, portfolio managers, and other employees in the forex industry, including exchanges, brokerage firms, and financial planners and advisors.